Metro – Page 4 – Travel Up

Where to eat in Maginhawa: Top 10 restaurants to try in 2022

With everything happening in the world, sometimes you just have to count your blessings. And one of the things I feel thankful for is that we live in a great neighborhood with lots of good food options.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has left some casualties in the neighborhood Maginhawa restaurant scene. Sadly, the beloved watering hole Tomato Kick has closed down, with a modern new structure currently being built in the place where the old house used to stand. Maginhawa icon Van Gogh is Bipolar also closed its doors amid the lockdown.

New al fresco cafes with stunning views in Tanay, Rizal

Marilaque, the highway that spans Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon, has always been our go-to destination for weekend rides. For those based in cities in the North and East of Metro Manila (like Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, etc.), this highway leading to Infanta through the Sierra Madre Mountains is the favored destination for road trips, much like Tagaytay for Southerners.

Al fresco dining spots in Bonifacio High Street

Al fresco dining has been the pandemic’s saving grace. Providing safe yet enjoyable ways to delight in a good meal, and rediscover the joy of the great outdoors.

Most of the time, though, al fresco dining is only available in out-of-town restaurants which isn’t really practical when you’re not up for a long drive. The good news is that you no longer need to drive out of the city to find must try al fresco dining options.

At Bonifacio High Street (BHS), you can find all-time crowd favorites and date spots offering outdoor dining, allowing you to savor all sorts of cuisines to suit your taste without having to go very far.

Biking to La Mesa Eco Park (2022 Guidelines)

Bikers are always on the lookout for scenic spots to visit for a bit of nature and greenery in the city. Aside from Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife and Quezon Memorial Circle, one of the public parks currently open to visitors as of January 2022 is La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.

Nature parks and green spaces in Quezon City

Much has been written about the benefits of nature and green spaces. For many people who have been cooped up inside their homes for almost two years, a simple walk in a park or bike ride with a view of trees can really help boost one’s mood. Nature parks and green spaces can provide a respite from the stress of urban life and offer city dwellers a place to relax and recharge.

Sunflowers along University Avenue. Photo taken in 2019

Biking to El Deposito Underground Tunnels in Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan

After years of excavation and clearing, and months of pandemic-induced delays, the El Deposito Underground Reservoir is now finally open to the public! Visitors can walk back in time through a portion of the Spanish-era tunnels just sitting underneath the sprawling public park in San Juan City.

Royal Enfield launches new flagship store in Quezon City

Royal Enfield has opened its biggest dealership and new flagship store in Quezon City!

The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production is enhancing the accessibility of its motorcycles, service, and accessories with the launch of the brand’s newest store in the country. The QC branch is the fifth exclusive store, adding to the brand’s existing presence in Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Meycauayan (Bulacan) and Pasig.

Bike-friendly cafes in the Maginhawa area

The coffee and cycling culture has really boomed in the Philippines. Since the pandemic hit, pop-up coffee kiosks coffee and minimalist roadside cafes serving good coffee catering to cyclists have become destinations on their own for weekend rides. You can find a lot of minimalist and pop-up roadside cafes situated in scenic spots along biker’s routes like Antipolo, Timberland, Boso-Boso, Marilaque, offering relaxing spots to rest during longer rides.

But for those looking for a destination for quick city rides, there are plenty of cool coffee shops in and around the metro that you can check out as well. Here are just a few cafes in my own Maginhawa neighborhood where bikers can grab a good cup of coffee and snacks for those chill Tambike sessions.

Art in Island has reopened: New Guidelines (October 2021)

Interactive art museum Art in Island in Quezon City has finally reopened to the public starting Saturday (October 23, 2021).

The biggest 3D Interactive Art Museum in Asia, known for letting visitors become “part of the art” and pose and play with its paintings and exhibits, has been closed for 19 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo from a previous visit in 2015 (face masks, face shields, and socks are now required!)

At the moment, only fully vaccinated guests are allowed to visit the art gallery as per IATF and Quezon City guidelines. Children (17 years old and below) are still not allowed to visit.

Camp Sandugo: Biking, camping & craft beer with a view near Manila

One of the things I miss the most about traveling is hunting down unique beers you can only find in specific destinations. We used to enjoy biking in the Timberland area before the pandemic hit, but sadly most of the bike trails (Blue Zone, Green Zone, etc.) through the regular route up the Wall are no longer accessible to mountain bikers except for special events.

I really wanted to revisit the area just to try out Brusko Craft Beer, the in-house craft beer served at Camp Sandugo, a popular biking and camping destination in San Mateo in Rizal, near Metro Manila.

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